Supporting our Armed Forces Community
The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub
Great Dawley Town Council is proud to support the VALOUR-recognised Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub, based in Dawley, working in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford Mind.
The hub forms part of VALOUR, a new national programme introduced by the UK Government to make it easier for veterans and their families across the UK to access the care, advice and support they deserve.
The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub provides an important point of support for the local Armed Forces community, helping to ensure that those who have served, and their families, can access the guidance and assistance they need.
Honouring the Legacy of Christopher Turley
The hub is proudly named in honour of Christopher (Chris) Turley, a dedicated public servant, proud veteran and passionate advocate for the Armed Forces community, who devoted decades of his life to serving both his country and his local community.
Chris served with distinction in HM Armed Forces for 22 years, until 1994, before continuing his career at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, where he worked until his retirement in 2010.
His dedication to public service continued through his role as Chair of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Telford and Wrekin, where he championed the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
- Borough Councillor for The Nedge Ward from 2011 to 2024.
- Town and Parish Councillor for Great Dawley, Hollinswood and Randlay, and Stirchley and Brookside.
Armed Forces Covenant
Great Dawley Town Council are pleased to support all our Armed Forces Community, we have pledged our support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and honored to have been presented the Silver Employee Recognition in September 2023.
As part of our pledge we provide an additional 10 days paid leave annually to all Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, all our vacancies are advertised on Forces Families Jobs and Career Transition Partnership, we provide a flexible working environment for all are Armed Forces Community employees.
Poppy Appeal
Town Council Staff are Poppy Appeal Organisers who support the successful delivery of the Poppy Appeal each year in our local area.
Events for our Armed Forces Community
We work with partner agencies to support the Armed Forces Community by use of our community buildings for Veterans Calm Cafes and events for Armed Forces Day and Remembrance which include supporting the annual Remembrance Parade and Poppy Dance.
Armed Forces Friendly
High Street
Great Dawley Town Council hosted an event where over 30 High Street businesses signed the Armed Forces Covenant; Creating an Armed Forces friendly High Street.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
High Street businesses that have signed up to the covenant include:
- Dillinger’s
- Card Shop
- Dawley Laundrette
- Dawley Town Hall
- Hilbre Charity Shop
- And many more…
